The House of Mirth (2000)

Yesterday, I experience the unsettling and beautiful movie based on a book by Edith Warton. The cinematic version was nominated for and received several awards, but the original publication was met with mixed reviews. America's wealthy felt that it 'impuned the social elite.' Indeed.

Lily Bart is the heroine of the story. She is lovely (played by Gillian Anderson), but naive. Her beauty gains her enemies more quickly than friends. The movie begins with her in the embarrassing situation of needing to marry a wealthy suitor to cover some gambling debts. We never see her play. She says that, "Bridge requires a great deal more brains than I have." And that she is "Penitent." This seems to be an honest assessment of her character. Life in high society is a high stakes game and her innocence and trusting nature fail her at every turn as she becomes prey for those who would use her. However, she also has strong ideas about love and a fortitude in chastity, integrity, and honor that leave one feeling dazzled.

This movie was terribly hard to watch. There was nothing "offensive." (It carries a PG rating.) There was no need for skin or blood or harsh words... the story is very strong on its own. It was heartbreaking to watch someone trying so desperately to live honorably, being crushed - literaly - by the gossip being pumped out by those she would not give in to. No one believed there were innocent circumstances in any case.

Reflecting on why this was so difficult for me (I'm still choking up thinking about it), religion and culture press on us that if you do the right thing, you will be rewarded for it. Hollywood thrives on the underdog story. Work hard, play nicely with others... but, how many find themselves completely shunned for nothing but someone else's vanity?

As a period piece, the costumes are stunning, the study in manner, speach, and lifestyle of this time period are impeccable (doubtless because Warton captured these things flawlessly in her writing). The love story is enchanting, and Lily Bart is a character to both admire and long for.